Toilet bowl flushing system

ABSTRACT

A toilet bowl flushing system according to the invention comprises a toilet bowl flushing device being installable in a low tank having a drain valve and capable of performing an operation of opening the drain valve; and a control unit that stores control information on a plurality of flushing modes, the control unit being capable of programming one of the plurality of flushing modes and supplying the toilet bowl flushing device with a control signal based on the programmed flushing mode. Such a toilet bowl flushing system can selectively use a plurality of flushing modes as appropriate to be adapted to various types of low tanks already on the market. The setting of the flushing mode, as well as the attaching angle of the toilet bowl flushing device, the distance from the output axle to the ball chain lever, the operation angle range of the ball chain lever, and the like can be appropriately varied. As a result, users can benefit from automatic flushing without replacing the low tank.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a toilet bowl flushing system, and moreparticularly to a toilet bowl flushing system capable of being installedin a flush toilet bowl and automatically supplying flushing water from alow tank to the flush toilet bowl.

BACKGROUND ART

The low tank of a flush toilet bowl has a long history of technologicaldevelopment. For example, there have been disclosures of: ananti-condensation structure for preventing dew condensation on thesurface of a low tank (e.g., JP 55-54485U), a drain mechanism (e.g., JP57-33641), an actuation mechanism (e.g., JP 55-106283U), an operationmechanism (e.g., JP 56-55085U), a handle device (e.g., JP 57-38875U), amechanism for selectively discharging full/partial flushing water (e.g.,JP 60-10026), an electromagnetic driving means to be provided outside alow tank (e.g., JP 60-55136), and the like.

As a toilet bowl flushing device capable of supplying a flush toiletbowl with flushing water both manually and automatically, the inventorshave disclosed a lever device for a low tank (JP 2001-65028). This leverdevice has a spindle motor-driven device having a built-in motor andbeing installable inside the low tank, and is also provided with athreaded column projected outside of the low tank through a leveropening of the low tank. The spindle motor-driven device can be fixed byfirmly sandwiching the outer wall of the low tank between a nut screwedon the threaded column from outside the low tank and the base endportion of the spindle motor-driven device. This configurationfacilitates installation of the lever device. Furthermore, thisconfiguration successfully improves the appearance by reducing aclearance between the lever and the low tank to the same extent as thatin a conventional hand-cranked low tank.

Various models of low tanks are already on the market. Users can benefitfrom automatic flushing without replacing the low tank if a toilet bowlflushing system being adaptable to and easy to install in as many ofthese models as possible can be achieved.

However, it can be seen from the first to eighth patent documentsmentioned above that these existing low tanks are indeed very diverse inshape, structure, and size. Therefore, a number of highly technologicalbreakthroughs are needed to achieve a toilet bowl flushing system thatcan be operably installed in these low tanks in common.

FIG. 59 is a schematic view that illustrates a number of forms ofexisting low tanks. More specifically, FIG. 59(a) shows a so-called“front handle type” low tank in which an operating handle 100 isprovided on the left front of a low tank 200. FIG. 59(b) shows aso-called “right handle type” low tank in which an operating handle 100is provided on the side face to the observer's right of a low tank 200.FIG. 59(c) shows a so-called “corner type” low tank that can be placedat the corner of a restroom.

It can be seen from these specific examples that there are various formseven with respect to the shape of the low tank 200 and the installedposition of its operating handle 100. Furthermore, there are even morediverse modes of mechanisms for selectively discharging full/partialflushing water.

For example, in discharging flushing water for “FULL”, some operatinghandles 100 are turned to the right, and others to the left.Furthermore, in discharging flushing water for “PARTIAL”, some operatinghandles 100 are turned in the same direction as in discharging flushingwater for “FULL”, and others in the reverse direction. Moreover, indischarging flushing water for “PARTIAL”, some operating handles 100require a “hold” operation for holding their state of being turned.

Therefore, for common adaptation to these diverse types of existing lowtanks, significant ingenuity is required for the size and shape of thetoilet bowl flushing device to be installed in the low tank. At the sametime, the method of controlling the device also requires achieving anovel toilet bowl flushing system that can be flexibly adapted toexisting models.

This invention is based on the recognition of these problems. An objectof the invention is to provide a novel toilet bowl flushing system thatcan be flexibly adapted to various types of existing low tanks.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In order to achieve the above object, a toilet bowl flushing system ofthe invention comprises a toilet bowl flushing device being installablein a low tank having a drain valve and capable of performing anoperation of opening the drain valve; and a control unit that storescontrol information on a plurality of flushing modes, the control unitbeing capable of programming one of the plurality of flushing modes andsupplying the toilet bowl flushing device with a control signal based onthe programmed flushing mode.

According to the above configuration, a motor of the toilet bowlflushing device, for example, can be controlled with respect to itsrotation direction, operating time, and the like depending on thestructure of the low tank. As a result, a toilet bowl flushing systemthat can be flexibly adapted to diverse flushing modes of various typesof existing low tanks can be provided.

Here, the control signal supplied from the control unit may have apolarity being determined based on the programmed flushing mode. Thisenables either clockwise or counterclockwise operation to beappropriately determined depending on the low tank for dischargingflushing water, and to reliably rotate the motor of the toilet bowlflushing device in a predetermined direction.

The control signal supplied from the control unit may have a pulse widthbeing determined based on the programmed flushing mode. This enables,for example, the motor to be reliably controlled by supplying a controlpulse signal having a predetermined width in a flush flushing operation,and on the other hand by appropriately adjusting the pulse width in ahold flushing operation.

At least one of the plurality of control modes may include control formaintaining the drain valve in an open state, and the control signal formaintaining the drain valve in the open state may include a PWM signal.In this case, heating or increased power consumption of the motor can beavoided by controlling the pulse at a predetermined duty within a rangein which a predetermined hold state can be maintained.

The toilet bowl flushing device may include a motor, and decelerationmeans for decelerating an output of the motor, wherein the operation ofopening the drain valve may be enabled by a driving output from thedeceleration means. This enables the operation of the motor to becontrolled by the control signal from the control unit for rotating themotor in a predetermined direction for a predetermined time, and therebyflushing operation can be reliably performed.

Here, at least one of the plurality of control modes may include a firstcontrol of turning the drain valve into an open state by driving themotor and a second control of causing the drain valve to transition fromthe open state to a closed state while braking the motor. This enablesthe hold operation to be performed by braking the motor without itsheating and by slowly closing the drain valve.

The toilet bowl flushing device may include a first output axle foroutput from the deceleration means and a second output axle for outputfrom the deceleration means, and the operation of opening the drainvalve is enabled by at least one of the first and second output axles.This can ensure a reliable and quick flushing operation by selective useof the first and second output axles as appropriate depending on thetype of the low tank.

The first output axle and the second output axle may have differentdeceleration ratios. This can ensure a reliable and quick flushingoperation by selective use of the first and second output axles asappropriate for a different torque or rotation angle of the drain valvedepending on the type of the low tank.

The control unit may be provided in a toilet seat. This makes itunnecessary to place a separate control unit in a restroom and achievesa toilet bowl flushing system being compact, having a good appearance,and making wiring unnecessary.

The toilet seat may further comprise a private parts flushing device forflushing user's private parts with water or warm water. This enables asophisticated automatic toilet bowl system that can share a power supplyunit and the like with the private parts flushing device and at the sametime have an additional function of flushing private parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates the overallconfiguration of a toilet bowl flushing system according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view that illustrates a toilet bowl flushingsystem of the embodiment of the invention being installed in a flushtoilet bowl;

FIG. 3 shows a list that summarizes typical flushing modes for varioustypes of low tanks on the market;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates more specifically the controlunit 500 of the toilet bowl flushing system of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates a signal flow in the toiletbowl flushing system of the specific example of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram that shows a second specific example of thecontrol unit 500 of the toilet bowl flushing system of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram that shows a third specific example of thecontrol unit 500 of the toilet bowl flushing system of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view that shows the relevant part of a toiletbowl flushing device of the working example of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view that shows a power train shaft 80 beingattached to the toilet bowl flushing device 10;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view that shows a power train shaft 80 beingattached to the toilet bowl flushing device 10;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view that shows a power train shaft 80 beingattached to the toilet bowl flushing device 10;

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram that shows the relevant arrangement ofthe internal structure of the toilet bowl flushing device 10 accordingto the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram that schematically shows the internalstructure of the toilet bowl flushing device of the working example ofthe invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view that shows a cross section of couplingbetween the fourth-stage gear 46 and the shaft 22;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram that illustrates a driver circuit fordriving a motor 42 of the toilet bowl flushing device 10;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram that illustrates a PWM-controlledenergization waveform;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart that illustrates a driving scheme for the motor42 when full flushing is performed;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart that shows a specific example of performing apartial hold operation for four seconds by introducing PWM control;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart that shows a partial flushing hold operationwith a strong braking control being introduced;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart that shows a specific example of performing astrong braking control through duty control;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart that shows a hold control with a weak brakingcontrol by cogging torque being introduced;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart that shows a specific example of performing aweak braking control through duty control;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view that shows a toilet bowl flushing systemof the working example being installed in a flush toilet bowl having a“right handle type” low tank 200;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of the inside of the low tank 200 as viewedfrom above;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view that illustrates the connection between thetoilet bowl flushing device 10 and the toilet seat 400;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view that illustrates the connection between thetoilet bowl flushing device 10 and the toilet seat 400;

FIG. 27 is an assembly diagram of a valve driving part being attached tothe first output axle 70;

FIG. 28 is an assembly diagram of a valve driving part being attached tothe first output axle 70;

FIG. 29 is an assembly diagram of the toilet bowl flushing device beinginstalled in the low tank 200;

FIG. 30 is an assembly diagram of the toilet bowl flushing device beinginstalled in the low tank 200;

FIG. 31 is a schematic view that shows ball chains 220 and 230 beingfixed at one end to the tip of the ball chain levers 84 and 85,respectively;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view for illustrating the flushing mode;

FIG. 33 is a schematic view that shows the toilet bowl flushing device10 of the invention being installed in a “right handle type” low tank200 having another flushing mode;

FIG. 34 is a schematic view of the inside of the low tank 200 as viewedfrom above;

FIG. 35 is a schematic view for illustrating the flushing mode of thelow tank 200;

FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram that shows one example of initializationoperation;

FIG. 37 is a schematic view that shows the toilet bowl flushing device10 of the invention being installed in a “front handle type” low tank200 having still another flushing mode;

FIG. 38 is a schematic view of the inside of the low tank 200 as viewedfrom above;

FIG. 39 is an assembly diagram that shows a process of attaching a ballchain lever 87 to the second output axle 72 of the toilet bowl flushingdevice 10;

FIG. 40 is an assembly diagram that shows a process of installing thetoilet bowl flushing device 10 in the low tank 200;

FIG. 41 is a schematic view for illustrating the flushing mode of thelow tank 200;

FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram that shows one example of initializationoperation;

FIG. 43 is a schematic view that shows a “FULL” label being stuck on the“PARTIAL” switch of the remote controller 510;

FIG. 44 is an illustration that shows a specific example of simplifyingthe initialization operation by selectively using the switches of theremote controller 510;

FIG. 45 is a schematic view that shows a user instruction to be stuck onthe remote controller 510;

FIG. 46 is a schematic view that shows the change of appearance due tothe user instruction being stuck on the remote controller 510;

FIG. 47 is an assembly diagram of a slit cover 98 being used ininstalling the toilet bowl flushing device 10;

FIG. 48 is an assembly diagram that shows a process of installing thetoilet bowl flushing device in the low tank via tilt washers;

FIG. 49 is an enlarged partial cross section of the installation portionof the toilet bowl flushing device using the tilt washers;

FIG. 50 is an assembly diagram that shows a process of installing thetoilet bowl flushing device 10 in the low tank 200 with the tilt washers90 and 91 being arranged in a predetermined orientation;

FIG. 51(a) is an assembly diagram that shows installation of the toiletbowl flushing device 10, and FIG. 51(b) is a schematic view of labelsfor distinguishing “FULL” and “PARTIAL” being stuck after the operatinghandle 100 is attached;

FIG. 52 is an assembly diagram in which a ball chain lever 84 isdirectly plugged into the shaft 80 of the toilet bowl flushing device 10and fixed with a pin 86;

FIG. 53 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the attachingorientation of the ball chain lever 84;

FIG. 54 is a schematic view that illustrates the structure of the ballchain lever 84 where FIG. 54(a) is a top view, FIG. 54(b) is a left sideview, FIG. 54(c) is a vertical cross section, FIG. 54(d) is a right sideview, and FIG. 54(e) is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 55 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the rotation angle rangeof the toilet bowl flushing device 10;

FIG. 56 is a schematic diagram that shows a low tank with a manualoperating handle having a rotation angle of 125° for “FULL” and 650 for“PARTIAL”;

FIG. 57 is a schematic diagram that shows the rotation angle when theattaching orientation of the ball chain lever 84 is reversed;

FIG. 58 is a schematic diagram that shows the rotation angle when theattaching orientation of the ball chain lever 84 is reversed; and

FIG. 59 is a schematic view that illustrates a number of forms ofexisting low tanks.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates the overallconfiguration of a toilet bowl flushing system according to anembodiment of the invention.

More specifically, the toilet bowl flushing system of the inventioncomprises a toilet bowl flushing device 10 and a control unit 500connected thereto. The toilet bowl flushing device 10 includes a motor,and is installed in a low tank of the flush toilet bowl system. Thedrain valve of the low tank is actuated by the motor.

On the other hand, the control unit 500 is programmed to one of aplurality of flushing modes 1, 2, . . . , and supplies a control signalaccording to the flushing mode to the motor incorporated in the toiletbowl flushing device 10 to control its operation.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view that illustrates a toilet bowl flushingsystem of this embodiment being installed in a flush toilet bowl. Morespecifically, in the specific example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit500 is incorporated in a toilet seat 400. A user or installer caninstall the toilet bowl flushing device 10 in a low tank 200, attach thetoilet seat 400 (control unit 500) to a toilet bowl 300, and connectthem with a connection cord. A predetermined initialization operation isthen performed on the control unit 500. Consequently, an optimal one ofa plurality of flushing modes 1, 2, . . . is programmed. That is, acontrol signal adapted to the flushing mode for the low tank 200 withthe toilet bowl flushing device 10 installed therein is supplied to thetoilet bowl flushing device 10 for its appropriate operation.

FIG. 3 shows a list that summarizes typical flushing modes for varioustypes of low tanks on the market.

More specifically, this figure shows six kinds of typical flushingmodes. For example, in “Flushing Mode 1”, for discharging “FULL”flushing water, a control signal (e.g., 24 volts DC) for rotating theoutput axle of the toilet bowl flushing device 10 (see the inset in FIG.2) in the CW (clockwise) direction is supplied for one second. Fordischarging “PARTIAL” flushing water, a control signal for rotating theoutput axle of the toilet bowl flushing device 10 in thecounterclockwise (CCW) direction is supplied for one second. To thisend, when a DC brash motor or the like is used as a motor incorporatedin the toilet bowl flushing device 10, the polarity of the controlsignal (e.g., 24 volts DC) supplied to the motor should be changedappropriately in response to the flushing mode.

Furthermore, for “PARTIAL FLUSHING” in “Flushing Mode 5”, for example, asignal for rotating the output axle of the toilet bowl flushing device10 in the counterclockwise direction is supplied for four seconds. Thisis a so-called “hold mode”, which corresponds to an operation of holdingthe drain valve for partial flushing water of the low tank 200 in anopen state for about four seconds. That is, the duration of the controlsignal supplied to the motor of the toilet bowl flushing device 10should be changed appropriately in response to the flushing mode.

Moreover, in this hold operation, while a continuous control signal(e.g., 24 volts DC) may be supplied for four seconds, it is desirable toperform PWM (pulse width modulation) control in order to avoid heatgeneration of the motor. More specifically, the hold operation can beperformed while reducing heat generation of the motor by supplying thetoilet bowl flushing device 10 with a pulsed control signal within aduty range capable of holding the drain valve in the open state. Thatis, it is desirable to change also the pulse waveform of the controlsignal supplied to the motor appropriately in response to the flushingmode. This will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 15to 22.

As described above, low tanks on the market have a variety of flushingmodes. In this respect, according to the invention, these flushing modescan be stored in advance in the control unit 500 of the toilet bowlflushing system and a predetermined initialization operation can be usedto select and program an optimal one of them. For example, when thetoilet bowl flushing device 10 of the invention is installed in a lowtank 200 of the “Flushing Mode 2” type, a user or installer can operatethe control unit 500 as an initialization operation to select andprogram the “Flushing Mode 2”. A control signal of “Flushing Mode 2” canthen be supplied to the toilet bowl flushing device 10 in response to acommand of “FULL” or “PARTIAL” flushing to perform an appropriateflushing operation.

In this way, according to the invention, the control unit 500 of thetoilet bowl flushing system can store a plurality of flushing modes inadvance and one of them can be appropriately selected and programmed toachieve flexible adaptation to various types of existing low tanks. As aresult, users can install the toilet bowl flushing system of theinvention to benefit from automatic flushing without replacing theexisting low tank.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates more specifically the controlunit 500 of the toilet bowl flushing system of the invention.

More specifically, in this specific example, the control unit 500comprises an operating unit 510 and a driving unit 520. The operatingunit 510, which has switches and the like, can receive user's intentionsas input. The driving unit 520 has a flushing mode determining unit 520Aand a driving signal supplying unit 520B. The flushing mode determiningunit 520A selects and programs an optimal flushing mode in response tothe type of the low tank having the toilet bowl flushing device 10installed therein. The driving signal supplying unit 520B supplies apredetermined driving signal to the toilet bowl flushing device 10 basedon the flushing mode programmed by the flushing mode determining unit520A.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates a signal flow in the toiletbowl flushing system of the specific example. In this specific example,data for a plurality of flushing modes 1, 2, . . . is stored in advancein the flushing mode determining unit 520A. This data can be stored in aROM (read only memory) or the like, for example. The operating unit 510can send out a mode selection signal 502 and a flushing command signal504. A user or installer can appropriately send out these signals 502and 504 from the operating unit 510 according to a predeterminedoperating procedure.

First, a user or installer performs a predetermined initializationoperation on the operating unit 510. The mode selection signal 502 isthen sent to the flushing mode determining unit 520A. Upon receiving themode selection signal 502, the flushing mode determining unit 520Aselects a predetermined mode (e.g., “Flushing Mode 2”) among theflushing modes 1, 2, . . . stored in the flushing mode determining unit520A in response to the content of the mode selection signal 502, andcommands the driving signal supplying unit 520B to operate according tothe flushing mode (e.g., “Flushing Mode 2”). That is, the driving signalsupplying unit 520B is configured so as to output a control signaladapted to the flushing mode 2 upon receiving the flushing commandsignal 504 from the operating unit 510.

After the initialization operation is thus performed, a predeterminedoperation of a user for discharging “FULL” or “PARTIAL” flushing watercauses the operating unit 510 to transmit a corresponding flushingcommand signal 504 to the driving signal supplying unit 520B. Thedriving signal supplying unit 520B then transmits a control signal 508corresponding to the programmed flushing mode (e.g., “Flushing Mode 2”)to the toilet bowl flushing device 10. Upon receiving the control signal508, the toilet bowl flushing device 10 performs a “FULL” or “PARTIAL”flushing operation adapted to the low tank.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram that shows a second specific example of thecontrol unit 500 of the toilet bowl flushing system of the invention.More specifically, in this specific example, the operating unit 510 andthe driving unit 520 are provided as separate units and coupled viawired or wireless connection. The operating unit 510 is typicallyconfigured as a remote controller. The operating unit 510 and thedriving unit 520 can be appropriately placed around the low tank 200,around the toilet bowl 300, or elsewhere. When signals are wirelesslytransmitted between the operating unit 510 and the driving unit 520, anyof various media such as infrared or other radiation, radio waves, andsounds can be used as a signal transporting medium.

In this specific example, a user or installer can perform theinitialization operation and operations for discharging flushing wateron the operating unit 510 placed at hand. The processes performed bythese operations can be the same as those described above with referenceto FIGS. 4 and 5 and hence are not described in detail.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram that shows a third specific example of thecontrol unit 500 of the toilet bowl flushing system of the invention.More specifically, in this specific example again, the operating unit510 and the driving unit 520 are provided as separate units and coupledvia wired or wireless connection. As described above, the operating unit510 is typically configured as a remote controller.

However, in this specific example, the operating unit 510 has a flushingmode determining unit 510A and a flushing command signal transmittingunit 510B. A plurality of flushing modes are stored in advance in theflushing mode determining unit 510A. When a user or installer performs apredetermined initialization operation, one of the plurality of flushingmodes is selected to command the flushing command signal transmittingunit 510B to transmit a flushing command signal adapted to this flushingmode.

After the initialization operation is thus performed, a predeterminedoperation of a user for discharging “FULL” or “PARTIAL” flushing watercauses the flushing command signal transmitting unit 510B to transmit acorresponding flushing command signal 504 to the driving unit 520. Thedriving unit 520 then transmits a control signal 508 corresponding tothe received flushing command signal 504 to the toilet bowl flushingdevice 10. Upon receiving the control signal 508, the toilet bowlflushing device 10 can perform a “FULL” or “PARTIAL” flushing operationadapted to the low tank.

In any of the toilet bowl flushing systems described above as the firstto third specific examples, one of the plurality of flushing modes 1, 2,. . . stored in advance in the control unit 500 can be appropriatelyselected by the initialization operation. This enables to achieve atoilet bowl flushing system that can be flexibly adapted to varioustypes of low tanks on the market.

In the following, the toilet bowl flushing system of the invention isdescribed in more detail with reference to a working example.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view that shows the relevant part of a toiletbowl flushing device of the working example.

FIGS. 9 to 11 are perspective views that show a power train shaft 80being attached to the toilet bowl flushing device 10.

More specifically, the toilet bowl flushing device 10 has a screwprotruding portion 20 and a driving unit 40. A shaft 22 protrudes at thetip of the screw protruding portion 20. On the other hand, a firstoutput axle 70 and a second output axle 72 are provided on the side ofthe driving unit 40 facing inside the tank. Note that in FIG. 10, thetip of the second output axle 72 is not shown.

It is desirable that rotation torque outputted by the first output axle70 be different from that outputted by the second output axle 72. Thefirst and second output axles 70, 72 can be selectively used asappropriate to be adapted to any of various types of existing low tanksand to drive its water flow mechanism. That is, rotation torque androtation angle required for the output axle depend on the structure ofthe low tank. According to this specific example, the two output axles70 and 72 can be adapted to a wide range of such different requirements.

The cross section of the power train shaft 80 perpendicular to itsrotation axis has a generally cruciform shape with rotational symmetryin steps of 90°. That is, it has fourth-order rotational symmetry. Inthis way, any member (not shown) attached to the shaft 80 can have adifferent attaching angle in steps of 90°, and can be adapted to lowtanks of various structures.

A connection cord 76 for supplying a control signal from the controlunit 500 is connected to the driving unit 40.

An operating handle 100, not shown, is attached to the shaft 22protruding outside the low tank. Also when this operating handle isoperated manually, the manual rotation torque is transmitted to each ofthe output axles 70 and 72 through the shaft 22. In this case, in orderto prevent addition of cogging torque of the motor incorporated in thedriving unit 40, it is desirable to provide a predetermined idling angleor add a clutch mechanism to the power axle of the motor. In thisrespect, the configuration described in the Japanese patent application(Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-292508) that the inventorspreviously filed in the Japanese Patent Office can be used.

Next, the internal structure of the toilet bowl flushing device 10 ofthis working example is described with reference to specific examples.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram that shows the relevant arrangement ofthe internal structure of the toilet bowl flushing device 10 accordingto the embodiment of the invention. More specifically, this figure showsthe toilet bowl flushing device 10 of this embodiment being installedinside the low tank 200. The low tank 200 illustrated in this figure hasan anti-condensation layer 204 made of foamed material and the like onthe surface of its inner wall in order to prevent “dew condensation” onits outer wall. A lid 270 is provided on top of the tank.

The toilet bowl flushing device 10 of this embodiment comprises an inputshaft 22, a decelerating means 41, a motor 42, and an output axle 70.

The input shaft 22 protrudes outside the tank through an opening 202provided in the outer wall of the low tank 200. An operating handle, notshown, is attached as appropriate to the tip of the input shaft 22.Operation of this operating handle by a user enables manual input ofrotation driving force A.

The decelerating means 41 has a plurality of gears for decelerating theoutput of the motor 42 and transmitting it to the output axle 70. Theoutput axle 70 protrudes in the direction opposite to the input shaft22. In addition, a second output axle 72 (not shown) different from theoutput axle 70 is provided to enable extraction of output from thedecelerating means 41.

The output axle 70 is provided generally in parallel to the input shaft22, is coupled to the input shaft 22, and protrudes toward the inside ofthe low tank 200. At the same time, the output axle 70 is coupled to thedecelerating means 41 as appropriate to enable extraction of the outputthereof. While the output axle 70 and the input shaft 22 are coaxial ina preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention is not limitedthereto. A power transmission member (e.g., shaft 80 and the like shownin FIGS. 9 to 11) is attached to the tip of the output axle 70 asappropriate, which enables the drain valve provided in the low tank 200to be subjected to an opening operation by manual input A or by outputfrom the decelerating means 41.

In the configuration described above, the arrangement between the motor42 and the decelerating means 41 is first described. As viewed from theprotruding end of the input shaft 22, the motor 42 is placed closer thanthe decelerating means 41. That is, the motor 42 is placed closer to thelow tank wall 200 than the decelerating means 41. Moreover, the motor 42has a driving axle 42A that is generally in parallel to the output axle70 and the input shaft 22 and oriented in the same direction as theoutput axle 70, that is, toward the inside of the low tank 200.

It can be seen from FIG. 12 that an anti-condensation layer 204 isclosely placed directly below the opening 202 of the low tank intendedfor installing the toilet bowl flushing device 10 of the invention. Inmost existing low tanks, since the opening 202 is placed close to thetop of the tank, the lid 270 of the tank is closely placed directlyabove the opening 202. Furthermore, in many tanks, the lid 270 alsoserves as a “hand wash basin”. For this reason, the lid 270 protrudesdownward and comes close to the toilet bowl flushing device 10 of theinvention as the distance from the tank sidewall increases.

In this respect, according to the invention, various elementsconstituting the toilet bowl flushing device 10 can be placed in aunique arrangement as shown in FIG. 12 to prevent interference with boththe anti-condensation layer 204 and the lid 270, and at the same time tominimize both the length L from the tank inner wall 200 and the height Hperpendicular to the direction of the input and output axles.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram that schematically shows the internalstructure of the toilet bowl flushing device of the working example.Note that this figure is a conceptual diagram for illustrating powertransmission relations. The dimensions and arrangement of variouselements do not necessarily reflect the actual ones.

The toilet bowl flushing device 10 of this working example has therein amotor 42 serving as a driving source and five stages of gears 43 to 47serving as the decelerating means 41. Rotation torque of thefourth-stage gear 46 is outputted to the first output axle 70. Rotationtorque of the fifth-stage gear 47 is outputted to the second output axle72. When a high-speed brush motor operating at 24 volts DC is used asthe motor 42, the deceleration ratio of the first to fourth stages canbe set to about 1/100. The deceleration ratio of the fifth stage gearcan be set to about 1/2 to facilitate adaptation to various types of lowtanks.

The shaft 22 is provided with a shaft return spring 52 and therebybiased to its neutral state. Similarly, the fourth-stage gear 46 isprovided with a gear return spring 53 and thereby biased to its neutralstate.

In order to prevent addition of cogging torque of the motor 42 duringmanual operation by the operating handle 100, the fourth-stage gear 46is coupled to the shaft 22 with a predetermined idling angle.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view that shows a cross section of couplingbetween the fourth-stage gear 46 and the shaft 22. More specifically,the shaft 22 is placed at the inner center of the fourth-stage gear 46.The shaft 22 is coupled to the operating handle 100 and the first outputaxle 70. Projections 22P and 46P are formed on the outer face of theshaft 22 and on the inner face of the gear 46, respectively. FIG. 14shows the neutral state. When the shaft 22 (i.e., operating handle 100)is rotated from this state in the direction indicated by the arrow, theshaft 22 can be rotated independently of the gear 46 in the range up toabutment of the projection 22P against the projection 46P of the gear46. That is, the shaft 22 can be rotated in this range without beingsubjected to cogging torque of the motor 42 and load of the gear returnspring 53. In this way, the operating handle 100 can be manuallyoperated in an agile fashion.

On the other hand, when the shaft 22 is driven by the motor 42, the gear46 runs idle in the direction indicated by the arrow from the neutralstate shown in FIG. 14. Upon abutment of its projection 46P against theprojection 22P of the shaft 22, the gear 46 is coupled to the shaft 22and the torque is transmitted to the output axle. That is, the range upto abutment of the projection 46P against the projection 22P is providedas an idling angle.

Next, a driver circuit for driving such a toilet bowl flushing device 10is described.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram that illustrates a driver circuit fordriving a motor 42 of the toilet bowl flushing device 10. Morespecifically, this driver circuit is incorporated, for example, in thedriving unit 520 described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

The driver circuit illustrated in FIG. 15 has switching elements Tr1 toTr4 for controlling the rotation direction and rotation amount of themotor 42, a positive characteristic thermistor 71 d for preventingovercurrent from flowing into the motor 42, diodes d1 and d2 foravoiding application of back electromotive force or the like duringbraking control to the CPU or the like incorporated in the driving unit520, operating unit 510, or the like, and diodes d3 and d4 for forming acurrent path during braking control.

For example, when the motor 42 is rotated in the forward direction, theswitching elements Tr1 and Tr4 are turned on, and Tr2 and Tr3 are turnedoff. When it is rotated in the reverse direction, Tr1 and Tr4 are turnedoff, and the switching elements Tr2 and Tr3 are turned on.

On the other hand, when the motor 42 is strongly braked, one of theswitching elements Tr3 and Tr4 is turned on and the other switchingelement is turned off. For example, when the motor 42 is braked in thismanner after rotated a predetermined amount, biasing force of the gearreturn spring 53 and the shaft return spring 52 incorporated in thetoilet bowl flushing device 10 rotates the shaft of the motor 42, whichthen begins to return to the neutral state shown in FIG. 14. At thistime, since the motor 42 acts as a generator, its electromagneticinduction field serves for regenerative braking.

Furthermore, the diodes d1 and d2 enables to prevent this backelectromotive force from being applied to the CPU and the likeincorporated in the control unit 500 and the like.

Furthermore, for weak braking, all the switching elements Tr1 to Tr4should be turned off. That is, in this case, cogging torque of the motor42 serves for braking.

As described above, the switching elements Tr1 to Tr4 can beappropriately turned on to perform duty control by pulse widthmodulation (PWM).

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram that illustrates a PWM-controlledenergization waveform.

More specifically, when each of the switching elements Tr1 to Tr4 isdriven, the rotation speed can be controlled by a pulsed energizationwaveform (e.g., 24 volts DC) as illustrated in FIG. 16. For example, atthe time of forward or reverse rotation, the cycle G can be set to 1millisecond (PWM driving frequency of 1 kHz), and at the time ofbraking, the cycle G can be set to 8 milliseconds (PWM driving frequencyof 125 Hz). Here, “ON-duty H %” indicates that the duration of on-stateaccounts for H % of one cycle (G milliseconds). For example, G=1millisecond and H=30% indicates that the on-state occurs for 0.3millisecond (1 millisecond×30%) in one cycle.

In the following, specific examples are described in which the drivingscheme for the motor 42 is appropriately switched in response to theflushing mode.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart that illustrates a driving scheme for the motor42 when full flushing is performed.

More specifically, when the output axle of the toilet bowl flushingdevice 10 is rotated for about one second in the clockwise (CW) orcounterclockwise (CCW) direction as described above with reference toFIG. 3, the motor 42 can be driven with a duty of 100%. In this case,the motor 42 is provided with a maximum driving force, which can quicklyrotate the output axle to perform full flushing.

On the other hand, in performing partial flushing that requires a holdoperation for about four seconds as described above with reference toFIG. 3, continuous driving current may be supplied to the motor 42 witha duty of 100%. However, the motor 42 may be heated during the holdperiod. In this case, it is desirable to control supplied power by PWMcontrol.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart that shows a specific example of performing apartial hold operation for four seconds by introducing PWM control.

In this case, at steps S22 and S23, driving with 100% duty is firstperformed for one second. This causes the output axle of the toilet bowlflushing device 10 to be quickly rotated to the hold position forpartial flushing. Subsequently, at steps S24 and S25, the motor isdriven by PWM control. That is, the driving duty at step S24 should beset to provide power such that the motor 42 can keep the valve open inthe partial flushing state against the biasing force of the shaft returnspring 52 and the gear return spring 53. Specifically, for example, thedriving duty at step S24 can be set to 80%. This can prevent heating ofthe motor 42 even when the partial flushing state is held for fourseconds.

Furthermore, the partial flushing hold operation may be performed byperforming braking control on the motor 42.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart that shows a partial flushing hold operationwith a strong braking control being introduced.

More specifically, at steps S32 and S33, driving with 100% duty is firstperformed for one second to quickly rotate the output axle of the toiletbowl flushing device 10 to the hold position for partial flushing.Subsequently, at steps S34 and S35, the switching element Tr3 or Tr4 isturned on to perform a strong regenerative braking control. The motor 42then slowly returns to its neutral state (the state shown in FIG. 14) bythe braking control against the biasing force of the shaft return spring52 and the gear return spring 53. Therefore, the drain valve of the lowtank can be kept open, which effectively achieves an operation similarto the partial hold operation. Furthermore, in this case again, themotor 42 is not heated since no external power is supplied theretoduring steps S34 and S35.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart that shows a specific example of performing astrong braking control through duty control.

More specifically, when strong braking is performed at step S44, theswitching element Tr3 or Tr4 is turned on by duty control as illustratedin FIG. 16. The duty can be appropriately selected to control brakingforce minutely and to appropriately control the rate at which the outputaxle of the toilet bowl flushing device 10 returns to its neutral state(the state shown in FIG. 14). This also enables fine tuning of the flowrate of water in the partial flushing hold operation to enhancewater-saving effect.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart that shows a hold control with a weak brakingcontrol by cogging torque being introduced.

More specifically, at steps S52 and S53, driving with 100% duty isperformed for one second to quickly rotate the output axle of the toiletbowl flushing device 10 to the hold position for partial flushing.Subsequently, at step S54, all the switching elements Tr1 to Tr4 areturned off to perform a weak braking control by cogging torque of themotor 42. In this case again, the motor 42 slowly returns to its neutralstate (the state shown in FIG. 14) by the braking control against thebiasing force of the shaft return spring 52 and the gear return spring53. Therefore, the drain valve of the low tank can be kept open, whicheffectively achieves the partial hold operation. Determination of whichto select the strong braking control shown in FIG. 19 or the weakbraking control shown in FIG. 21 can be appropriately made byconsidering the biasing force of the return springs 52 and 53, flow rateof flushing water required in the partial flushing hold operation, andthe like.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart that shows a specific example of performing aweak braking control through duty control. More specifically, at stepS64, the switching elements Tr1 to Tr4 are turned off by duty control asshown in FIG. 16. In this case again, the duty can be appropriatelyselected to control braking force minutely and to appropriately controlthe rate at which the output axle of the toilet bowl flushing device 10returns to its neutral state (the state shown in FIG. 14). This enablesfine tuning of the flow rate of water in the partial flushing holdoperation to enhance water-saving effect.

In the foregoing, reference has been made to FIGS. 17 to 22 to describespecific examples in which control of the motor 42 is appropriatelychanged in response to the flushing mode. However, the invention is notlimited to these specific examples. For example, in the hold operation,the strong braking and the weak braking may be combined. Alternatively,one of these types of braking may be appropriately combined with theforward or reverse driving of the motor 42.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view that shows a toilet bowl flushing systemof the working example being installed in a flush toilet bowl having a“right handle type” low tank 200. FIG. 24 is a schematic view of theinside of the low tank 200 as viewed from above.

More specifically, the toilet bowl flushing system of the workingexample has a configuration illustrated in FIG. 6, comprising anoperating unit 510 of a remote controller, a driving unit 520incorporated in the toilet seat 400, and a toilet bowl flushing device10.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are schematic views that illustrate the connectionbetween the toilet bowl flushing device 10 and the toilet seat 400.

More specifically, a connection port 402 is provided on the back of thetoilet seat 400 provided on top of the toilet bowl 300. A connectioncord 76 connected to the toilet bowl flushing device 10 contained in thelow tank 200 is drawn out of an air vent hole 290 provided on the backof the low tank 200 and the connection plug 78 at its tip is connectedto the connection port 402 of the toilet seat 400.

The toilet seat 400 includes a driving unit 520, not shown, which canappropriately control the operation of the toilet bowl flushing device10 by appropriately supplying it with a driving signal of 24 volts DC.That is, a user can conveniently discharge flushing water in the toiletbowl by operating a switch at hand (operating unit 510) of the remotecontroller appropriately placed on the wall or elsewhere in a restroom,without operating the operating handle 100 provided on the low tank 200.

Furthermore, a human sensor can be provided on the toilet seat 400(control unit 500) to operate the toilet bowl flushing device 10 so asto discharge pre-flushing water when, for example, a user approaches orsits on the toilet seat 400. That is, before the toilet bowl 300 isused, pre-flushing water can be discharged to wet its inner surface,thereby preventing accretion of dirt and the like and maintainingcleanliness.

On the other hand, the human sensor can also be used to operate thetoilet bowl flushing device 10 so as to automatically discharge flushingwater in the toilet bowl 300 when the user leaves or stands up from thetoilet seat 400. This enables the so-called “automatic flushing”, whichachieves a toilet bowl flushing system that is also user-friendly forthe aged, the physically challenged, children, and others.

Moreover, such a toilet seat can be combined with a so-called privateparts flushing device. That is, a more sophisticated and user-friendlytoilet bowl flushing system is achieved by incorporating a device forflushing the private parts of a user seated on the toilet seat 400 withwater (warm water). In this case, the toilet bowl flushing device 10 canalso be operated so as to discharge flushing water in response totermination of private parts flushing, for example.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are assembly diagrams of a valve driving part beingattached to the first output axle 70. FIGS. 29 and 30 are assemblydiagrams of the toilet bowl flushing device being installed in the lowtank 200.

First, as shown in FIG. 27, a shaft 80 is fixed to the first output axle70 using a screw 81. Then, as shown in FIG. 28, the shaft 80 is insertedinto a spacer 82 and fixed using a pin 83, and ball chain levers 84 and85 are each attached near the tip of the spacer 82 using a pin 86.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 29, the screw protruding portion 20 iscaused to protrude from an opening 202 of the low tank 200 and fixedwith a nut 92 via washers 90 and 91 so as to sandwich the outer wall ofthe low tank 200. Then, as shown in FIG. 30, a stopper 93 is fixed tothe tip of the shaft 22 using a screw 94, over which an operating handle100 for manual operation is press-fitted and fixed.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 31, ball chains 220 and 230 are fixed at oneend to the tip of the ball chain levers 84 and 85, respectively, whichextend vertically downward from the spacer that horizontally protrudesinto the low tank 200. An upper drain valve 240 and a lower drain valve250 are connected to the other end of these ball chains 220 and 230,respectively, as shown in FIG. 23. Flushing water is discharged in thetoilet bowl 300 by pulling up these drain valves.

Here, as shown in FIG. 32, the low tank 200 has a flushing mode ofrotating the operating handle 100 in the clockwise (CW) direction toperform “full flushing” and in the counterclockwise (CCW) direction toperform “partial flushing”. Both of them are performed flushingly and donot need holding.

Accordingly, the ball chain lever 85 has a predetermined idling anglerelative to the spacer 82. More specifically, as shown in the inset ofFIG. 23, when the output axle 70 is rotated in the direction of arrow A(CW), the ball chain levers 84 and 85 are both rotated to pull up theball chains 220 and 230, thereby opening both the upper drain valve 240and the lower drain valve 250. In this way, flushing water for “FULL” isdischarged in the toilet bowl 300.

On the other hand, in the inset of FIG. 23, when the output axle 70 isrotated a predetermined angle in the direction of arrow B (CCW), theball chain lever 84 is rotated therewith in an interlocked manner, butthe ball chain lever 85 runs idle and remains directed verticallydownward. As a result, only the ball chain 220 is pulled up to open theupper drain valve 240 alone. In this way, flushing water for “PARTIAL”is discharged in the toilet bowl 300.

This flushing mode in which “full flushing” corresponds to “CW” and“partial flushing” corresponds to “CCW” is set to the default(initialized) state, for example, of the toilet bowl flushing system ofthis working example. That is, when the toilet bowl flushing device 10is installed in this type of low tank, any initialization operation bythe remote controller 510 can be eliminated.

Next, a situation is described in which the toilet bowl flushing systemof the invention is installed in a flush toilet bowl having anotherflushing mode.

FIG. 33 is a schematic view that shows the toilet bowl flushing device10 of the invention being installed in a “right handle type” low tank200 having another flushing mode.

FIG. 34 is a schematic view of the inside of the low tank 200 as viewedfrom above.

This low tank 200 has a single drain valve 240 and a ball chain 220connected thereto.

FIG. 35 is a schematic view for illustrating the flushing mode of thelow tank 200. More specifically, “full flushing” is performed byrotating the lever 100 in the clockwise (CW) direction, and “partialflushing” is performed by rotating and holding the lever 100 in thecounterclockwise (CCW) direction. When the toilet bowl flushing systemof the invention is installed in a flush toilet bowl having such aflushing mode, the remote controller 510 is used to performinitialization operation.

FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram that shows one example of initializationoperation.

More specifically, first, the “STOP” switch 511 provided on the remotecontroller 510 is pushed for ten or more seconds. The liquid crystaldisplay 512 of the remote controller 510 then begins to blink. Thisblinking indicates that the switching mode for switching the flushingmodes is entered. Next, the “PARTIAL” switch 513 of the remotecontroller is pushed for five or more seconds. A “blip, blip” sound isthen emitted from the driving unit 520 provided on the toilet seat 400.This signals to a user or installer that the flushing mode determiningunit 520A of the driving unit 520 has switched the flushing modes basedon the switching signal from the operating unit 510 in the block diagramshown in FIG. 6.

Subsequently, when the “STOP” switch 511 of the remote controller ispushed, the liquid crystal display 512 stops blinking and theinitialization operation is completed.

The initialization operation described above ensures that the toiletbowl flushing system of the invention performs a clockwise (CW) flushoperation at the time of “full flushing” and a counterclockwise (CCW)hold operation at the time of “partial flushing”.

FIG. 37 is a schematic view that shows the toilet bowl flushing device10 of the invention being installed in a “front handle type” low tank200 having still another flushing mode.

FIG. 38 is a schematic view of the inside of the low tank 200 as viewedfrom above.

This low tank 200 also has a single drain valve 240 and a ball chain 220connected thereto. The ball chain lever 87 is connected to the secondoutput axle 72 of the toilet bowl flushing device 10. This is becausethis type of low tank 200 has a long ball chain lever 87, which requireslarge rotation torque around the output axle for opening the drain valve240. That is, in this specific example, the rotation torque of thesecond output axle 72 of the toilet bowl flushing device 10 can be madelarger than that of the first output axle 70.

FIG. 39 is an assembly diagram that shows a process of attaching a ballchain lever 87 to the second output axle 72 of the toilet bowl flushingdevice 10. FIG. 40 is an assembly diagram that shows a process ofinstalling the toilet bowl flushing device 10 in the low tank 200.

More specifically, in the case of the “front handle type”, as shown inFIG. 39, a ball chain lever 87 having a long stroke is fixed using ascrew 88. Note that a boss 87R is provided at the installation portionof the ball chain lever 87. This boss 87R serves as a receptacle for thescrew 88 and also functions as a “stopper” in cooperation with a rib 72R(see FIG. 10) provided beside the output axle 72. That is, abutment ofthe boss 87R against the rib 72R stops rotation of the ball chain lever87. In this way, excessive rotation of the ball chain lever 87 can beprevented.

Note that as described above with reference to FIG. 13, the rotationtorque of the second output axle 72 is larger than that of the firstoutput axle 70. Therefore, a rib 72R provided beside the second outputaxle 72 for serving as a “stopper” would undergo a large mechanicalload, which may break the rib 72R. In this case, the first output axle70 can be used to achieve a “stopper” function. More specifically, anangle restricting member having a boss 80R as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and10 is attached to the first output axle 70. A rib 70R provided besidethe first output axle 70 is abutted against the boss 80R to restrict therotation range of the first output axle 70. Since the first output axle70 is interlocked with the second output axle 72 as described above withreference to FIG. 13, the rotation range of the second output axle 72can be restricted.

FIG. 41 is a schematic view for illustrating the flushing mode of thelow tank 200. In this low tank, there is no distinction between “fullflushing” and “partial flushing”, and the lever 100 is rotated in thecounterclockwise (CCW) direction to perform flushing in both cases. Whenthe toilet bowl flushing system of the invention is installed in a flushtoilet bowl having such a flushing mode, the remote controller 510 canbe used to perform the following initialization operation, for example.

FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram that shows one example of initializationoperation.

More specifically, first, the “STOP” switch 511 provided on the remotecontroller 510 is pushed for ten or more seconds. The liquid crystaldisplay 512 of the remote controller 510 then begins to blink. Thisblinking indicates that the switching mode for switching the flushingmodes is entered. Next, the “FULL” switch 514 of the remote controlleris pushed for five or more seconds. A “blip, blip” sound is then emittedfrom the driving unit 520 provided on the toilet seat 400. Subsequently,when the “STOP” switch 511 of the remote controller is pushed, theliquid crystal display 512 stops blinking and the initializationoperation is completed.

The initialization operation described above ensures that the toiletbowl flushing system of the invention performs a flush flushingoperation by counterclockwise (CCW) rotation for both “full flushing”and “partial flushing”.

In this case, there is no substantial distinction between “fullflushing” and “partial flushing”, both of which cause an equal quantityof flushing water for “full flushing” to flow. Consequently, as shown inFIG. 43, a “FULL” label may be stuck on the “PARTIAL” switch of theremote controller 510.

Incidentally, when a predetermined mode is selected from a plurality offlushing modes in the initialization operation, it is cumbersome if theoperation procedures are nested too deeply or the number of operationson the switches is too large. In this respect, when the remotecontroller 510 is used to perform the initialization operation, aplurality of switches can be selectively used to simplify the operation.

FIG. 44 is an illustration that shows a specific example of simplifyingthe initialization operation by selectively using the switches of theremote controller 510.

More specifically, in this specific example, the default (initialized)state corresponds to “Flushing Mode 1”. From this state, for example,the “STOP” switch 511 of the remote controller 510 can be pushed for tenor more seconds to enter the switching mode for switching the flushingmodes. At this time, as described above, a user or installer can beappropriately informed by the blinking of the liquid crystal 512 or thelike.

From this state, for example, by pushing the “PARTIAL” switch 513 forfive or more seconds, the flushing mode can be switched to “FlushingMode 2”. At this time, the mode switching can be confirmed by a “blip,blip” sound emitted from the driving unit 520. The flushing mode can belocked to “Flushing Mode 2” by pushing the “STOP” switch 511.

On the other hand, by pushing the “PARTIAL” switch 513 once again forfive or more seconds, the flushing mode can be switched to “FlushingMode 3”. At this time, this mode switching can be confirmed by a “blip,blip, blip” sound emitted from the driving unit 520.

In this way, each time the “PARTIAL” switch 511 is pushed for five ormore seconds, the flushing mode can be switched in the followingsequence: “Flushing Mode 1”, “Flushing Mode 2”, “Flushing Mode 3”,“Flushing Mode 5”, and again “Flushing Mode 1”.

Similarly, in the switching mode, each time the “FULL” switch 514 ispushed for five or more seconds, the flushing mode can be switched inthe following sequence: “Flushing Mode 1”, “Flushing Mode 5”, “FlushingMode 6”, “Flushing Mode 7”, and again “Flushing Mode 1”. At this timeagain, a sound or the like for confirmation of the mode switching can beappropriately emitted from the driving unit 520.

In this way, according to the invention, the switches of the remotecontroller 510 can be selectively used as appropriate to enableswitching of, for example, seven different flushing modes by at mostfive operations on the switches.

Furthermore, in this case, a user instruction can be stuck on the remotecontroller 510 to facilitate the initialization operation.

FIG. 45 is a schematic view that shows a user instruction to be stuck onthe remote controller 510.

FIG. 46 is a schematic view that shows the change of appearance due tothe user instruction being stuck on the remote controller 510.

As shown in FIG. 46(b), a user instruction 600 describing the procedureof the initialization operation can be stuck to the remote controller510 to facilitate and ensure the initialization operation. Furthermore,on the occasion of the initialization operation, among the switchesprovided on the remote controller 510, only the “STOP” switch 511,“PARTIAL” switch 513, and “FULL” switch 514 have to be operated. Hence,when the user instruction 600 is designed so that only these switchesand the liquid crystal 512 appear on top and the other switches arehidden, the initialization operation can be significantly facilitatedand ensured.

After the sequence of initialization operation is completed, the userinstruction 600 can be removed from the remote controller 510 to enablenormal use by a user.

According to the invention, one of a plurality of flushing modes can bestored in advance in the control unit 500. The one flushing mode can beselected and operated for adaptation to various types of existing lowtanks. Therefore, without newly replacing the low tank, users caninstall the toilet bowl flushing device 10 in the existing low tank andperform a predetermined initialization operation using the control unit500 to introduce the toilet bowl flushing system. As a result,conveniently, a user-friendly flush toilet bowl with various featuresincluding the automatic flushing feature described above can be achievedat low cost.

Furthermore, when the low tank is of a different type, it is often thecase that its flushing mode is different and the structure inside thelow tank is also different. It is therefore convenient to enableappropriate adjustment of the installation angle of the toilet bowlflushing device, the distance to the ball chain lever, the pull-uplength of the ball chain, and the like. These features are described inthe following.

For example, as shown in FIG. 47, for installation of the toilet bowlflushing device 10, a slit cover 98 can be provided through which theconnection cable 76 can be passed in advance.

Furthermore, “tilt washers” can be provided at a portion attached to thelow tank to adjust the installation angle of the toilet bowl flushingdevice for adaptation to various types of low tanks. More specifically,when the low tank is of a different type, it is often the case that theflushing mode is different and the structure of the low tank is alsodifferent at the same time. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, it may berequired to select one of a plurality of flushing modes in the controlunit 500 and also to adjust the installation angle of the toilet bowlflushing device 10 in accordance with the structure of the low tank. Inthis case, the “tilt washers” can be used to adjust reliably and easilythe installation angle of the toilet bowl flushing device 10.

FIG. 48 is an assembly diagram that shows a process of installing thetoilet bowl flushing device in the low tank via tilt washers.

More specifically, the screw protruding portion 20 of the toilet bowlflushing device 10 is inserted into the opening 202 of the low tank 200and clamped with a nut 92 so as to sandwich the low tank 200 by washers90 and 91. At this time, each of the washers 90 and 91 can be a “tiltwasher” shaped as shown into a tilted configuration so that one edge isthick and the other edge is thin.

FIG. 49 is an enlarged partial cross section of the installation portionof the toilet bowl flushing device using such tilt washers.

By using “tilt washers” having a varied thickness as the washers 90 and91, the relative angle of the axis C of the toilet bowl flushing device10 with respect to the wall of the low tank 200 can be tilted apredetermined angle in a predetermined direction. As a result, thearrangement of the toilet bowl flushing device 10 inside the low tank200 can be adjusted to an optimal angle.

For example, the low tank 200 is typically ceramic. For “moldextraction” in its manufacturing process, its opening is often shaped asslightly expanding upward. That is, the side face of the low tank 200 isnot parallel to the vertical direction, but tilted. In this case, asillustrated in FIG. 49, the tilt washers 90 and 91 can be used forfixation to install the toilet bowl flushing device 10 so that its axisC is horizontal.

Furthermore, the tilt washers 90 and 91 can be inserted around the screwprotruding portion 20 with at least two or more different angles. Thatis, the washers 90 and 91 can be attached to the screw protrudingportion 20 with predetermined angles of rotation. Specifically, forexample, the washer 90 can be inserted in steps of 90° rotation relativeto the protrusion base 20B. The washer 91 is inserted so that its boss91P is engaged with the slit 20C (see FIG. 11; provided in steps of 90°)of the screw protruding portion 20. That is, the washer 91 can also beinserted around the screw protruding portion 20 in steps of 90°rotation.

As a result, by attaching the tilt washers 90 and 91 with appropriaterotation, the toilet bowl flushing device 10 can be installed in adesired tilted direction.

For example, FIG. 50 is an assembly diagram that shows a process ofinstalling the toilet bowl flushing device 10 in the low tank 200 in anarrangement that the tilt washer 90 is thick on the observer's right andthe tilt washer 91 is thick on the observer's left.

If the tilt washers 90 and 91 are arranged in this manner, then as shownin FIG. 51(a), the toilet bowl flushing device 10 can be installedinside the low tank 200 so as to tilt in the direction indicated by thearrow (on the observer's left). This enables to prevent the toilet bowlflushing device 10 from, for example, interfering with the bottom of ahand wash basin (not shown) provided in the lid of the low tank 200 orwith an overflow pipe (not shown) or other parts provided in the lowtank 200.

Note that FIGS. 48 to 51(a) are merely an example. Besides, for example,the toilet bowl flushing device 10 can be installed inside the low tank200 so as to tilt on the observer's right or upward. Moreover, as shownin FIG. 51(b), after the operating handle 100 is attached, a label fordistinguishing “FULL” and “PARTIAL” may be stuck thereon.

Furthermore, when the low tank is of a different type, it is oftenrequired to change its flushing mode and also to adjust the distancefrom the output axle of the toilet bowl flushing device 10 to the ballchain lever 84. In this case, according to the invention, the spacer 82can be omitted.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 52, a ball chain lever 84 can bedirectly plugged into the shaft 80 of the toilet bowl flushing device 10and fixed with a pin 86. To this end, the shaft 80 should be providedwith fixing grooves 80A, 80B, and the like. More specifically, the ballchain lever 84 can be reliably fixed by mating these fixing grooves 80A,80B with the pin 86. Optimal ones of a plurality of fixing grooves 80A,80B can be selected for adaptation to a variety of low tanks.

In order to share the parts and decrease the number of parts, it isdesirable to enable the ball chain lever 84 to be inserted and attachedat the tip 82B of the spacer 82 as shown in FIG. 28 and the like, and atthe same time to be inserted and attached to the shaft 80 as shown inFIG. 33.

To this end, the cross-sectional shape of the tip 82B of the spacer 82should be substantially identical to the cross-sectional shape of theshaft 80. In other words, the shape of the insertion hole of theconnecting portion 82B of the spacer 82 (the shape being substantiallyidentical to the cross-sectional shape of the shaft 80 exceptdimensional difference for smooth insertion) should be generallyidentical to the cross-sectional shape of the tip 82B of the spacer 82.In this case, in order to smoothly insert the shaft 80 into the spacer82, the insertion hole of the connecting portion 82B should have a sizeslightly greater than the shaft 80. Note that the cross-sectional shapeof the shaft 80 and the cross-sectional shape of the tip 82B of thespacer 82 do not need to be perfectly identical, but needs only to besubstantially identical so that they can be unrotatably inserted into aninsertion hole 84H of the ball chain lever 84 described later.

In this way, the ball chain lever 84 can also be inserted and fixed atthe tip 82B of the spacer 82, and at the same time can be inserted andfixed to the shaft 80. This enables to share the parts, to decrease thenumber of parts, and at the same time to eliminate problems such asmix-up of parts in installation on the site.

Furthermore, the distance from the output axle 70 (or 72) of the toiletbowl flushing device 10 to the ball chain lever 84 can be adjusted in awide range. Therefore, the ball chain lever 84 can be smoothly rotatedwithout interfering with various elements provided inside the low tanksuch as an overflow pipe 260 and feed water pipe 270. This can becombined with the function of switching the flushing modes to provide atoilet bowl flushing device adaptable to various types of low tanks.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the pull-up length of the ballchain can be made variable by changing the attaching orientation of theball chain lever 84. This is described in the following with referenceto FIGS. 53 to 58.

FIG. 53 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the attachingorientation of the ball chain lever 84.

As illustrated in this figure, the ball chain lever 84 can be insertedand fixed to the shaft 80 either in the orientation A or in the reverseorientation B.

FIG. 54 is a schematic view that illustrates the structure of the ballchain lever 84. More specifically, FIG. 54(a) is a top view, FIG. 54(b)is a left side view, FIG. 54(c) is a vertical cross section, FIG. 54(d)is a right side view, and FIG. 54(e) is a bottom view thereof.

The ball chain lever 84 of this specific example is provided with aninsertion hole 84H having a generally cruciform shape. This insertionhole 84H is matched with the generally cruciform cross section of theshaft 80 and can be inserted around the shaft 80 to prevent it fromrunning idle. Furthermore, since the insertion hole 84H and the shaft 80each have a cross-sectional shape with fourth-order rotational symmetry,one of the four different attaching angles can be arbitrarily selectedas described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

Moreover, according to the invention, the protruding direction P of theball chain lever 84 can be inclined relative to the symmetry axis of theinsertion hole 84H to variously change the pull-up length of the ballchain.

FIG. 55 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the rotation angle rangeof the toilet bowl flushing device 10. More specifically, in thisspecific example, the shaft 80 is rotated 80° in the direction of arrowA for discharging “PARTIAL” flushing water, and rotated 110° in thedirection of arrow B for discharging “FULL” flushing water. On the otherhand, existing manual low tanks vary in the rotation angle for “PARTIAL”and “FULL”.

For example, as shown in FIG. 56, there exists a low tank (type I) witha manual operating handle having a rotation angle of 125° for “FULL” and65° for “PARTIAL”. On the other hand, there exists another low tank(type II) in which the rotation angle is 95° for both “FULL” and“PARTIAL”. According to the invention, the attaching orientation of theball chain lever 84 can be reversed to adapt the toilet bowl flushingdevice 10 to both of these types of low tanks.

FIGS. 57 and 58 are schematic diagrams that show the rotation angle whenthe attaching orientation of the ball chain lever 84 is reversed. Thatis, these figures are schematic diagrams as viewed in the direction ofarrow Z in FIG. 55.

In the case of the attaching orientation illustrated in FIG. 57, theball chain lever 84 in its neutral state is inclined 15° in the leftrotation direction from the vertical downward direction as shown in FIG.57(a). When the shaft 80 of the toilet bowl flushing device is rotated80° clockwise from this state, the inclination angle of the ball chainlever 84 becomes 65° from the vertical downward direction as shown inFIG. 57(b).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 57(c), when the shaft 80 is rotated110° counterclockwise, the inclination angle of the ball chain lever 84becomes 125° from the vertical downward direction.

That is, attaching the ball chain lever 84 to the shaft 80 in thisorientation results in the pull-up length of the ball chain generallycorresponding to the rotation angle of 65° for the “PARTIAL” operationand 125° for the “FULL” operation.

In contrast, in the specific example shown in FIG. 58, the ball chainlever 84 is inserted around the shaft 80 in the reverse orientationrelative to that shown in FIG. 57. More specifically, as shown in FIG.58(a), the ball chain lever 84 in its neutral state is inclined 15° inthe right rotation direction from the vertical downward direction. Whenthe shaft 80 is rotated 80° clockwise from this state, the inclinationangle of the ball chain lever 84 becomes 95° from the vertical downwarddirection as shown in FIG. 58(b).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 58(c), when the shaft 80 is rotated110° counterclockwise, the inclination angle of the ball chain lever 84again becomes 95° from the vertical downward direction.

That is, attaching the ball chain lever 84 to the shaft 80 in thisorientation results in the pull-up length of the ball chain generallycorresponding to the rotation angle of 95° for both the “PARTIAL” and“FULL” operations. In this case, as shown in FIG. 54(a), a mark 84M(shown as “E” and “C” in this figure) for distinguishing the insertionorientation can be provided on the ball chain lever 84 to ensure theassembly without mistaking the insertion orientation.

As described above, according to the invention, the ball chain lever 84can be inserted around the shaft 80 reversibly, and its protrudingdirection P is inclined relative to the symmetry axis S of the insertionhole 84H. Thereby the pull-up length of the ball chain corresponding to“FULL” and “PARTIAL” can be made variable. As a result, not only theflushing mode but also the operation range can be made variable and atoilet bowl flushing device adaptable to various types of low tanks canbe provided.

Embodiments of the invention have been described with reference tospecific examples. However, the invention is not limited to thesespecific examples.

That is, any variations of the toilet bowl flushing device and thetoilet bowl flushing system of the invention in which the elementsthereof are adapted by those skilled in the art are also encompassedwithin the scope of the invention if they include the features of theinvention.

More specifically, any specific structure, operation procedure, type ofstored flushing modes, and the like of the control unit 500 that areappropriately adapted by those skilled in the art are also encompassedwithin the scope of the invention as long as they include the featuresof the invention.

Furthermore, any outline shape and size of the toilet bowl flushingdevice 10, type of the motor incorporated therein, the number of gearsin the deceleration means and the deceleration ratios thereof, thearrangement thereof, and the like that are appropriately adapted bythose skilled in the art are also encompassed within the scope of theinvention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above in detail, according to the invention, a capabilityof selecting and programming one of a plurality of flushing modes can beadded to the control unit of the toilet bowl flushing system. Theseflushing modes can be selectively used as appropriate to adapt thetoilet bowl flushing system to various types of low tanks already on themarket. The setting of the flushing mode, as well as the attaching angleof the toilet bowl flushing device, the distance from the output axle tothe ball chain lever, the operation angle range of the ball chain lever,and the like can be appropriately varied. As a result, users can benefitfrom automatic flushing without replacing the low tank.

1. A toilet bowl flushing system comprising: a toilet bowl flushingdevice being installable in a low tank having a drain valve and capableof performing an operation of opening the drain valve; and a controlunit that stores control information on a plurality of flushing modes,the control unit being capable of programming one of the plurality offlushing modes and supplying the toilet bowl flushing device with acontrol signal based on the programmed flushing mode.
 2. A toilet bowlflushing system according to claim 1, wherein the control signalsupplied from the control unit has a polarity being determined based onthe programmed flushing mode.
 3. A toilet bowl flushing system accordingto claim 1 or 2, wherein the control signal supplied from the controlunit has a pulse width being determined based on the programmed flushingmode.
 4. A toilet bowl flushing system according to any one of claims 1to 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of control modes includescontrol for maintaining the drain valve in an open state, and thecontrol signal for maintaining the drain valve in the open stateincludes a PWM signal.
 5. A toilet bowl flushing system according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein the toilet bowl flushing device includes:a motor, and deceleration means for decelerating an output of the motor,and wherein the operation of opening the drain valve is enabled by adriving output from the deceleration means.
 6. A toilet bowl flushingsystem according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the plurality ofcontrol modes includes a first control of turning the drain valve intoan open state by driving the motor and a second control of causing thedrain valve to transition from the open state to a closed state whilebraking the motor.
 7. A toilet bowl flushing system according to claim 5or 6, wherein the toilet bowl flushing device includes a first outputaxle for output from the deceleration means and a second output axle foroutput from the deceleration means, and the operation of opening thedrain valve is enabled by at least one of the first and second outputaxles.
 8. A toilet bowl flushing system according to claim 7, whereinthe first output axle and the second output axle have differentdeceleration ratios.
 9. A toilet bowl flushing system according to anyone of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit is provided in a toiletseat.
 10. A toilet bowl flushing system according to claim 9, whereinthe toilet seat further comprises a private parts flushing device forflushing user's private parts with water or warm water.